Thomas G. Williams

Thomas G. Williams, age 67, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023 with his loving family at his side.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 25th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Duane Kaufman officiating. Interment will follow in St. Hyacinth Cemetery, LaSalle. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, November 24th at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Corbin, Sam and Alec Williams, Glen Nelson, Guy Morrison, Steven Gillam and Don Goerne.

Tom was born August 1, 1956 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Gerald and Barbara Ann (Baker) Williams. He married Amy Marie Wojciechowski October 5, 1990 at St. Hyacinth Church in LaSalle, Illinois. She preceded him in death November 4, 2007.Tom is survived by a sister, Kathy (Robert) Vilven of Royal, IL; a brother, Dan Williams of Utica; a sister-in-law, Sandy Williams of Genoa City, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Amy, a brother John Williams, a brother-in-law Jerry Dammann and a sister-in-law, Glenda Williams.

Tom was a 1974 graduate of Ottawa Township High School where he was active in the band and performed in many Ottawa Youth Center summer plays. He had been an electrician through the IBEW and later trained and became an airplane pilot and flight instructor through the Illinois Valley Regional Airport at Peru. Tom was a Certified Master Naturalist through the U of I Home Extension." He was heavily involved in the Birdsong and Starved Rock Chapters of the Audubon Society and was an avid birder. He worked on projects at Catlin Park and was deeply involved in the restoration of Amboy Marsh and the Eagle Sanctuary at Plum Island. Tom was a dedicated volunteer at Starved Rock State Park. He enjoyed bicycling and once rode the Ragbrai in Iowa. Tom was a skilled and talented photographer and was a member of the Streator and Sandwich Camera Clubs. He was a lifelong music lover who enjoyed bluegrass, jazz and playing his guitar. Tom loved travelling to as many national parks as he could. He also visited Scotland and most recently, Panama. Tom's most treasured time was spent with his loving family and many friends who will remember him fondly and miss him dearly.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Starved Rock Audubon Society, P.O. Box 2547, Springfield, IL 62708.